Arsenal Face Uphill Battle in UWCL Quarter-Final Return Leg
Arsenal must overcome a 2-0 deficit when they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their UWCL quarter-final clash on Wednesday. The Gunners struggled in the first leg in Madrid, succumbing to a surprising defeat after an error-ridden performance in challenging wet conditions.
First Leg Recap
Madrid’s Linda Caicedo and Athenea Del Castillo found the net in the first leg, putting the Spanish side in a strong position to reach their first-ever UWCL semi-final. Madrid’s confidence is further boosted by their historic victory over Liga F leaders Barcelona last weekend, ending an 18-match losing streak against their domestic rivals.
Arsenal’s Response
Despite the setback in Madrid, Arsenal bounced back with a 4-0 thumping of Liverpool in the Women’s Super League on Saturday. The Gunners remain second in the WSL but trail runaway leaders Chelsea by eight points.
Key Talking Points Ahead of the Second Leg
Arsenal vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record
| Arsenal | Real Madrid |
|---|---|
| Arsenal 4-0 Liverpool – 22/03/25 | Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid – 23/03/25 |
| Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal – 18/03/25 | Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal – 18/03/25 |
| Everton 1-3 Arsenal – 14/03/25 | Real Madrid 2-2 Deportivo Alaves – 15/03/25 |
| Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool – 09/03/25 | Barcelona 3-1 Real Madrid – 12/03/25 |
| Arsenal 4-3 West Ham – 02/03/25 | Sevilla 0-4 Real Madrid – 09/03/25 |
Team Updates
Arsenal received a boost with the return of Victoria Pelova, who featured off the bench against Liverpool after recovering from a long-term knee injury. However, Kim Little and Laia Codina are doubts due to knocks, while Lotte Wubben-Moy remains sidelined.
Madrid suffered a significant blow with Melanie Leupolz sustaining a partial MCL tear, ruling her out for the season. She joins Rocio Galvez and Teresa Abelleira on the long-term injury list. Despite this, Madrid’s confidence remains high after their win over Barcelona, and key players like Sheila Garcia, Olga Carmona, Linda Caicedo, and Caroline Weir are expected to return to the starting lineup.
Predicted Lineups
- Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Walti, Maanum; Kelly, Caldentey, Foord; Russo.
- Madrid (4-3-3): Misa; Garcia, Lakrar, Mendez, Carmona; Angeldal, Toletti, Weir; Del Castillo, Caicedo, Redondo.
Match Preview
Arsenal will benefit from the slicker Emirates pitch compared to the challenging conditions in Madrid. However, Madrid’s counter-attacking prowess and tactical discipline could prove decisive. The Gunners are expected to apply sustained pressure, but Madrid’s ability to absorb and strike on the break may see them edge through to the semi-finals.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid (Madrid advance on aggregate)
How to Watch
| Country | TV Channel/Livestream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | discovery+, DAZN UK, TNT Sports 1 |
| USA | DAZN USA |
| Canada | DAZN Canada |
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